Amid the renewed debate over the frequent injuries of Atlético Madrid players and the team's reliance on several academy players, coach Diego Simeone indirectly addressed the accusations made by some that his team "affects the fairness of the La Liga standings."

This came before Atletico's match against Valencia amidst numerous absences and evident fatigue following a tough European match against Arsenal.

Simeone finds himself compelled to field several young players due to the absence of up to six team members. This situation has forced him into limited choices, especially with the pressure of matches coinciding with continental commitments, such as the upcoming second leg against Arsenal in the Champions League.

The Argentine coach spoke about the physical condition of his players, explaining that some of them would not have been able to play against Valencia even if there wasn't a nearby European match.

He emphasized that selections are based solely on readiness, stating that the goal is to compete with the best available players, even if it means relying on academy players to cover absences.

In his indirect messages, Simeone emphasized that both the main players and the young ones bear the responsibility of wearing the Atletico Madrid jersey, and they must prove their worthiness to be part of the team. With these statements, the coach seemed to be responding to external criticisms, asserting that difficult circumstances and injuries are not a choice, but a reality that must be dealt with within the competitive system.